With the continuous growth of trade between China and Germany, more and more Chinese exporters and German buyers are choosing DDP shipping services. This reduces operational complexity for buyers and makes sellers more competitive in international trade. This article will provide a detailed introduction to DDP shipping between the two countries.
What is DDP Shipping?
DDP shipping is an Incoterm, meaning the seller is responsible for the entire transportation process and pays duties, VAT, and other customs clearance fees until the goods are safely delivered to the buyer in Germany.
Advantages of DDP:
- Buyer’s peace of mind: No need to worry about customs declaration, tax payments, or shipping arrangements.
- Seller’s control: Full control over logistics processes and costs, improving customer satisfaction.
- Transparent pricing: All costs (freight, duties, VAT, and customs clearance) are included in a single package.
DDP Shipping from China to Germany
DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) is a very popular shipping method. Depending on the volume, weight, and time required, DDP shipping from China to Germany can be divided into three main categories:
Sea Freight
Sea freight offers the lowest cost and is suitable for heavy or bulky products. It can also accept a variety of dangerous goods and specialty cargoes. It offers both Full Container Load (FCL) and Less Than Container Load (LCL) options. However, its delivery time is slower, and port congestion or customs inspections may affect overall delivery times. From major Chinese ports (Shanghai, Ningbo, and Shenzhen) to German ports (Hamburg and Bremen), the typical transit time is 25 to 35 days.
Air Freight
Air freight offers fast delivery times and is suitable for emergency restocking. With abundant and frequent flights, it is ideal for transporting urgent and high-value goods. Travel time from major Chinese airports to German hubs typically takes only 3 to 7 days. Choosing the right air freight service and airport is crucial for improving logistics efficiency and saving costs.
Rail Freight
Transportation time is significantly faster than ocean freight, lower in cost than air freight, and environmentally friendly and low-carbon. Train schedules are relatively regular (mostly weekly). Transport time from Chinese hubs like Xi’an to major German cities is approximately 15 to 20 days.
DDP Shipping Process from China to Germany
DDP shipping is more complex than standard shipping. It’s not a simple “ship and receive” process; it involves a highly coordinated, closed-loop process involving customs clearance and tax payments in both China and Germany. The general process is as follows:
Consultation and Quote
You provide your cargo information (product name, weight, volume, value, HS code, etc.), and we calculate a DDP all-inclusive price based on this information, including all costs.
Factory Pickup
The freight forwarder arranges a vehicle to pick up the goods from the supplier’s factory in China and deliver them to the warehouse or directly ship them.
China Export Customs Clearance
The freight forwarder completes export customs clearance procedures on your behalf. If commodity inspection or special categories are involved, additional documentation may be required.
International Trunk Transport
Goods are shipped to the destination port/airport/station in Germany via the designated transportation method (sea, air, rail, or express).
Customs Clearance in Germany
The freight forwarder prepares customs clearance documents (invoice, packing list, tax ID, EORI number) in advance and pays German customs duties and VAT.
Inspection and Delivery at Destination
After customs clearance, the goods are collected at a local warehouse in Germany for depalletizing and sorting. Finally, they are delivered to the final destination by local truck.
What Factors Influence DDP Freight Rates from China to Germany?
When arranging DDP shipping from China to Germany, freight rates are not fixed and are influenced by a variety of factors. Understanding these factors can help you plan your budget appropriately. The following are key factors influencing DDP freight rates:
- Cargo weight and volume: International shipping typically uses the billable weight = the greater of the actual weight and the volumetric weight.
- Transportation method: Air freight rates fluctuate significantly, while ocean freight rates are affected by the season and shipping space.
- Customs clearance and taxes: Germany’s VAT is generally 19%, with some special products subject to reductions and exemptions.
- Cargo type: Freight rates for general cargo, dangerous goods, and electronically charged products vary significantly.
- Seasonal and route congestion: Peak seasons (Christmas and the period leading up to Black Friday) see significant increases in freight rates.
DDP Freight Rates from China to Germany
When shipping DDP from China to Germany, the freight rate is composed of several components. The following is a detailed breakdown of the costs between the two countries:
- Domestic Pickup Fee: Pickup from the Chinese factory/warehouse to the freight forwarder’s collection warehouse (optional)
- China Export Customs Clearance Fee: Export declaration and document processing
- International Shipping Fee: Ocean, air, or rail freight costs
- German Customs Clearance Fee: Includes declaration services and customs documentation processing
- German Import Taxes: Includes customs duties and value-added tax (VAT), paid by the freight forwarder
- German Delivery Fee: Last-mile courier/truck delivery to the delivery address
- Additional Service Fees: Fees for label replacement, warehousing, and scheduled warehouse delivery (if applicable)
| Shipping Mode | Cost (August 2025) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| DDP Sea Freight (LCL) | $350 – $500/CBM | Suitable for cargo less than 15 cubic meters |
| DDP Sea Freight (20-foot container) | $4,500 | Excellent value for medium/large French imports; rates down vs July |
| DDP Sea Freight (40-foot container) | $6,550 | Ideal for consolidated or high-volume cargo; best rates of the year |
| DDP Air Freight | $10.50 per kg | Fastest for urgent or high-value cargo (CDG, Lyon, Marseille); more affordable than July |
| DDP Rail Freight | $550 – $700/CBM | Balance of speed and environmental impact |
Learn more about fees: How Much Does it Cost to Ship from China to Germany?
Why Choose Ubestshipping Freight Forwarder?
Choosing a reliable freight forwarder is key to ensuring your international trade is smooth, efficient, and worry-free. We’ve specialized in DDP shipping services from China to Germany for many years. Leveraging our professional team and local resources, we offer you truly exceptional service:
- All-inclusive pricing: Quotes include freight, duties, VAT, and customs clearance, with no hidden fees.
- Multiple channel options: Ocean, air, and rail freight options are fully covered, flexibly catering to diverse cargo needs.
- Experienced customs clearance: Familiar with German customs policies, ensuring fast customs clearance.
- Door-to-door service: From factory pickup in China to the buyer’s warehouse in Germany, with full visual tracking.
- Special cargo handling: We also offer compliant solutions for batteries, liquids, and powders.
DDP shipping from China to Germany is the most worry-free logistics solution for Sino-German trade. Through this article, you can choose the right freight forwarder to help plan the entire transportation plan and ensure that the goods arrive in Germany smoothly.